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Quick Hits: Green's Suggestion; History Haunts Defense; Corners Like To Travel; C.J. Was Franks About Call

Geoff Hobson

Senior Writer

Gary Landers/AP Images

Rookie safety Jessie Bates' first NFL pick-six put the Bengals up, 34-16, with 2:10 left and proved to be huge.

It started in Atlanta on Sept. 30 when Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton hit wide receiver A.J. Green with seven seconds left for a 13-yard touchdown pass that gave the Bengals a 37-36 win.

It continued the next week at Paul Brown Stadium when they steered the Bengals to a nine-play, 67-yard drive that yielded the winning field goal with 3:30 left in a 27-17 victory over Miami.

They did it again the next week against Pittsburgh at PBS when Dalton found Green for two late plays that set up running back Joe Mixon's four-yard TD and a 21-20 lead over the Steelers with 78 seconds left. Pittsburgh wiped out that come-back win with its own comeback, but Sunday at PBS the CPR team of Dalton and Green struck again and held on for a 37-34 win on Randy Bullock's 44-yarder at the gun.

It was set up on a 23-yarder to Green deep over the middle under a deep zone with 17 seconds left at the Bucs 41 and after Dalton spiked the ball to stop the clock, he hit Green on a slant with seven seconds left for 11 more yards. A delay of game on Tampa Bay got Bullock close enough.

Green was shaking his head. Almost disgusted. The Bengals started the second half with four three-and-outs on 12 plays that took just 6:12, didn't get a first down in the half until rookie running back Mark Walton converted a third-and-one with 4:22 left in the game and they didn't get 50 of their 95 second-half yards until those last few snaps.

"You just need to put one minute on the clock every time we're on offense and say we're about to lose the game and come out with a win," said Green, who still managed 76 yards on five catches …

Green said he jammed his toe on that last catch, but said he's fine …

The Bengals defense just finished a historic two days they hope doesn't make the textbooks. After giving up 551 yards last week in Kansas City, they surrendered 576 on Sunday, the second most under head coach Marvin Lewis. The most (595) also came in a win on Nov. 19, 2006 when they survived 510 Drew Brees passing yards in New Orleans. It's also the most yards the Bengals have ever allowed in back-to-back games.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) holds off Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) celebrates a touchdown on an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals kicker Randy Bullock (4) celebrates a game0winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. The Bengals defeated the Buccaneers 37-34. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals kicker Randy Bullock (4) kicks a game-winning field goal from the hold of Kevin Huber during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. The Bengals defeated the Buccaneers 37-34. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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The Cincinnati Bengals defense celebrate a touchdown on an interception by free safety Jessie Bates (30) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) congratulates wide receiver A.J. Green (18) on a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) makes a catch over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) makes a catch over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) scrambles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) runs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) is hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes (24) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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The colors are presented during the National Anthem before an NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) makes a catch over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) gives a ball to a fan after a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

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FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, file photo, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Cincinnati. The Bengals have allowed more than 500 yards in each of the last two games. No NFL team has even given up three straight 500-yard games. (AP Photo/Frank Victores, File)

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Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams (36) retains an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams (36) returns an inception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) celebrates a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

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Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams (36) returns an inception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

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Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams (36) returns an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) makes a catch over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) celebrates his touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) runs in for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Adarius Taylor (53) during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

FILE - In this Oct. 28, 2018, file photo, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis speaks during a press conference following an NFL football game in Cincinnati. The Bengals missed out on the playoffs again last season because their offense ranked last in the league. At the midpoint this year, they face another daunting challenge: a defense that's historically bad. (AP Photo/Gary Landers, File)

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) celebrates a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

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Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams (36) intercepts a pass in the end zone against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) is introduced before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) is introduced before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) and defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) wait to take the field before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) runs through a hole in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks to throw against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) poses with his wife Jordan and son Nash before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) tries to go over Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darius Phillips (23) during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Malik Jefferson greets Tyler Boyd pregame.

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Alex Erickson looks on pregame before the Bengals host the Oakland Raiders in the regular season finale.

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"We gave up nearly 600 yards, but I'd rather do that with a win than give up that and lose," said safety Shawn Williams, who had one of the four interceptions. "And I know its stuff we can correct. It's not a lack of talent or lack of anything or lack of coaches; we've just got to correct (our mistakes)."

And they'll have to do that quickly because after the bye, guess who is here at PBS on Nov. 11? That same Drew Brees and his Saints …

The press box wags are going nuts on the Bengals defense. They're now on pace to give up the most yards of all-time (7,164) after becoming just the second team in the Super Bowl era (the 2012 Bills) to give up at least 551 yards in back-to-back games and the fourth since the 1970 merger to give up at least 480 in three straight …

Middle linebacker Preston Brown, who also had a pick, had the proverbial mixed feelings.

"It's great to get a win, even though we need to get better on defense. We gave up a thousand yards on defense today. We've got to find a way to get more takeaways. It seemed like we had a pick every other series. We need to find ways to get off the field," Brown said. "A win is a win, so you feel good, but this one feels a little weird. We've got to find a way to do it on defense, but luckily our offense helped us out." …

The Bengals have rarely, if ever, traveled their corners under Lewis but they did Sunday and William Jackson responded by holding speedy DeSean Jackson to 68 yards on three catches. He did give DeSean a 60-yard TD bomb on which he appeared to look for help over the top but Will took the blame.

He and cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick sound all for traveling, where they follow one guy everywhere and don't stay on a side. Even though Evans finished with six catches for 179 yards, Kirkpatrick loved the idea. One of those was a 72-yard bomb with no one near him on what Kirkpatrick said was blown coverage.

"That was fire," he said of traveling. "I thought it worked out well … it was a great challenge and I was ready for it." …

At the end of his 24th career game-winning drive, Dalton was full service. The Bengals asked Bullock where he wanted the ball. With a healthy wind whipping right to left (there were isolated gales at about 30 miles per hour), Bullock asked for the left hash and Dalton obliged with a few steps left before taking one-yard loss with a knee ….

Rookie tight end Jordan Franks' first NFL play turned into a 32-yard catch off a wheel route in the first quarter when starter C.J. Uzomah left briefly with a shoulder injury.

"I knew it. It's in my playbook," Uzomah said. "When we put it in this week, I starred it. Put an asterisk next to him. I texted him. I thought it was going to be a touchdown." …

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